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Hotline Tip: Notarizing A Previously Signed Document

A client recently came to me with an original document that she had already signed days prior, as she did not realize the document would require notarization. The client provided acceptable identification that assured me that she was the actual signer and confirmed that she was the one who had signed the document. Can I notarize an acknowledgment for a document that has already been signed? – S.N., Tallahassee, FL

Given the information you provided, you may perform this notarization. The customer signed the document before bringing the document to you for notarization, which is permissible with an acknowledgment. As long as the signer acknowledged the signature on the document was theirs and you recorded the date of the notarization onto your acknowledgment form (the date the customer appeared before you), this is an acceptable act.

As a note, an Affirmation, also known as a Jurat, does require the customer to sign in the presence of the Notary. In such a case, the date the document is signed and the date of notarization must match.

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. –The Editors

Kelle Clarke is a Contributing Editor with the National Notary Association.

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call (888) 876-0827, Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST